Audrey Flanagan stars in joyful Wisconsin volleyball alumni match

On August 8, the University of Wisconsin volleyball team faced off against their alumni in an alumni match at the UW Field House. Although the current Badgers lost their exhibition game with a final score of 21-25, 23-25, 25-23, 22-25, the event served as an opportunity for the current team to learn and have fun. Freshman outside hitter Audrey Flanagan was the star of the match, finishing with 17 kills and a .316 hitting percentage.

Her standout performance in the third set, where she delivered nine kills, particularly impressed former Wisconsin star and current assistant coach Lauren Carlini, who was confident that the alumni would sweep the match. Fellow former player Sarah Franklin, the 2023 AVCA National Player of the Year, praised Flanagan's touch and feel on the ball.

Despite missing some key players, such as middle blocker Jaela Auguste and outside hitter Halle Thompson, the Badgers held their own with a strong defensive performance, holding the alumni to a .218 hitting percentage. The alumni roster, which included 11 current professionals, two Olympians, and four college national champions, provided a formidable challenge for the current Badgers.